Karnataka is one of the states in India that offers free electricity to its residential consumers under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. The scheme was launched by the state government in June 2023 to provide relief to the people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising power tariffs. The scheme covers all residential households in Karnataka whose monthly electricity consumption falls below the average monthly consumption for the financial year 2022-23, plus 10 percent, within the limit of 200 units. Consumers exceeding the 200 units limit will have to pay their electricity bill in full.
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| How to Apply for Free Electricity in Karnataka |
The Gruha Jyothi scheme aims to benefit about 1.5 crore households in Karnataka and reduce their electricity expenses by up to Rs 1,000 per month. The scheme also encourages sustainable and efficient use of energy and reduces the burden on the power distribution companies.
The registration process for the Gruha Jyothi scheme started from June 18, 2023 and will continue till July 31, 2023. The official launch of the scheme is scheduled for August 1, 2023. Starting from that date, eligible beneficiaries will receive a \"zero bill\" for their electricity usage in July, provided it remains within their entitlement.
If you are a resident of Karnataka and want to apply for free electricity under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it online.
Eligibility Criteria for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
To be eligible for the Gruha Jyothi scheme, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of Karnataka and have a valid Aadhaar card.
- You must have a residential electricity connection with a single meter per household.
- Your monthly electricity consumption must be less than or equal to the average monthly consumption for the financial year 2022-23, plus 10 percent, within the limit of 200 units.
- You must clear all your pending electricity dues before applying for the scheme.
Documents Required for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
To apply for the Gruha Jyothi scheme, you need to have the following documents:
- Your Aadhaar card number and a scanned copy of your Aadhaar card.
- Your customer ID or account ID of your electricity connection and a scanned copy of your latest electricity bill.
- If you are a tenant, you need to have a tenancy or rent agreement document as proof of your current residence.
- If you are a permanent resident, you need to have a voter ID or house deed in the name of the primary owner as proof of your residence.
How to Apply for Free Electricity in Karnataka Online
To apply for free electricity in Karnataka online, follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of Seva Sindhu (https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/), which is a portal created by the Karnataka government to facilitate various services and schemes for its citizens.
- Register on the portal by entering your name, address, phone number, email ID, and Aadhaar card number. You will receive an OTP on your phone number or email ID to verify your registration.
- Log in to the portal using your username and password that you created during registration.
- Click on the Gruha Jyothi Yojana link under the Energy Department section on the homepage of the portal.
- Fill in the application form by providing your personal details, electricity connection details, bank account details, and other required information. You also need to upload scanned copies of your Aadhaar card, electricity bill, and proof of residence documents.
- Review your application form and make sure all the details are correct and complete. Then click on the submit button.
- You will receive an acknowledgement receipt with an application number on your registered phone number or email ID. You can use this number to track the status of your application online.
How to Track Your Application Status Online
To track your application status online, follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of Seva Sindhu (https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/).
- Log in to your account using your username and password.
- Click on Track Application Status link on the homepage of the portal.
- Enter your application number and click on Search button.
- You will see your application status on the screen. You can also download or print your application form if needed.
How to Apply for Free Electricity in Karnataka Offline
If you are unable to apply for free electricity in Karnataka online, you can also do it offline by visiting your nearest electricity sub-division office or customer service center. You need to carry the following documents with you:
- Your Aadhaar card and a photocopy of it.
- Your electricity bill and a photocopy of it.
- Your proof of residence document and a photocopy of it.
- A passport size photograph.
You need to fill in a physical application form and submit it along with the documents to the concerned officer. You will receive an acknowledgement receipt with an application number. You can use this number to track your application status online or offline.
Registration Date for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
The registration date for the Gruha Jyothi scheme is from June 18, 2023 to July 31, 2023. You need to apply for the scheme within this period to avail the benefits. The scheme will be officially launched on August 1, 2023 and the beneficiaries will start receiving free electricity from that date.
Guidelines for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
The following are some of the guidelines for the Gruha Jyothi scheme that you need to follow:
- You can apply for the scheme only once per household. If you have more than one meter for your household, you need to choose one meter and apply for the scheme with that meter only.
- You need to link your Aadhaar card number with your electricity connection and bank account to apply for the scheme. If your Aadhaar card is from outside Karnataka, you need to update your address on your Aadhaar card before applying for the scheme.
- You need to clear all your pending electricity dues before applying for the scheme. If you have any arrears, you need to pay them along with your current bill before applying for the scheme.
- You need to maintain your monthly electricity consumption within the limit of 200 units or less than or equal to the average monthly consumption for the financial year 2022-23, plus 10 percent, whichever is lower. If you exceed this limit, you will have to pay your electricity bill in full without any subsidy.
- You need to use electricity responsibly and efficiently and avoid wastage or misuse of power. If you are found indulging in any fraudulent or illegal activities related to electricity, such as tampering with the meter, stealing power, or using power for commercial purposes, you will be disqualified from the scheme and face legal action.
Conclusion
The Gruha Jyothi scheme is a beneficial initiative by the Karnataka government to provide free electricity to its residential consumers and reduce their financial burden. The scheme also promotes sustainable and efficient use of energy and reduces the load on the power distribution companies. If you are a resident of Karnataka and want to apply for free electricity under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, you can follow this step-by-step guide on how to do it online or offline. You can also track your application status online or offline using your application number. You need to apply for the scheme before July 31, 2023 and start receiving free electricity from August 1, 2023.
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